LAS VEGAS--Usually at CES time, you can expect Panasonic to roll out slightly updated versions of its Blu-ray home-theater-in-a-box (HTIB) solutions, featuring six to eight plasticky speakers and a whole lot of proprietary speaker wire. But CES 2013 is different.

Panasonic is ditching its standard assortment of HTIBs, opting instead for three new sound bar and convertible sound bar models. The SC-HTB770 and SC-HTB370 both feature a similar design; you can use them in the traditional horizontal alignment or you can break apart the sound bar and use the pieces as separate speakers. The SC-HTB770 converts into a 3.1 system, with a dedicated center channel; the SC-HTB370 turns into a 2.1 system. There's also an entry-level SC-HTB70, which features an ultraslim design and has an integrated subwoofer.

The Panasonic SC-HTB770 converted into a 3.1 channel system.
Panasonic

All three systems feature built-in Bluetooth, for wireless music streaming from most smartphones and tablets. The high-end SC-HTB770 also feature three HDMI inputs; connectivity isn't specified for the other models in the early information Panasonic has provided.